Non-surgical Facial Enhancements – Thomas P. Sterry, MDhttps://www.drsterry.com/blog
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in New YorkSun, 05 Nov 2017 22:51:40 +0000en-UShourly1Kybella vs. Chin Liposuction: Running Neck and Neckhttps://www.drsterry.com/blog/facial-surgery/kybella-vs-chin-liposuction-running-neck-and-neck/
https://www.drsterry.com/blog/facial-surgery/kybella-vs-chin-liposuction-running-neck-and-neck/#commentsSun, 03 Jan 2016 15:05:27 +0000http://www.drsterry.com/blog/?p=957Is Kybella Better Than Chin Liposuction? Kybella is the new FDA approved product for injection that melts the fat in your neck to remove the dreaded double chin. Studies performed by the company were very promising and we are seeing some nice improvements in our patients as well. The question that arises however, is whether or not Kybella will replace chin liposuction as the mainstay of treatment to create an elegant look in patients who are not ready for a neck lift. Neck or Chin Liposuction For Neck Contouring Neck liposuction (typically performed as “Smartlipo”) has been available for years with a proven … Continue reading

Chin liposuction improves neck contour dramatically and removes double chin. Dr. Sterry wants you to have the best chin liposuction possible with an elegant neck.

Is Kybella Better Than Chin Liposuction?

Kybella is the new FDA approved product for injection that melts the fat in your neck to remove the dreaded double chin. Studies performed by the company were very promising and we are seeing some nice improvements in our patients as well. The question that arises however, is whether or not Kybella will replace chin liposuction as the mainstay of treatment to create an elegant look in patients who are not ready for a neck lift.

Neck or Chin Liposuction For Neck Contouring

Neck liposuction (typically performed as “Smartlipo”) has been available for years with a proven track record of reliably beautiful outcomes. It is a brief procedure taking only about 40 minutes or so (including the laser portion to help melt fat and tighten skin) using only local anesthesia. As a minimally invasive procedure, there is a period of about 4 days when I ask my patients to wear a chin/neck compression garment to help insure a nice result. While I don’t use a scalpel, there is one stitch used in the chin which needs to be removed in 5 days or so. Results can sometimes be seen within days, but more typically 4-6 weeks later (see more examples at drsterry.com). Patients can expect a profound improvement in the jawline as well as reduction or removal of the double chin. Many patients also note that their neck skin seems tighter as a result of the to the laser portion of the procedure.

Kybella For Double Chin Removal

Treatment with the Kybella product requires no “surgery” and takes just a few minutes to inject in experienced hands. Kylbella injections can be repeated up to 6 times about 1 month apart until the patient gets the result they want. It is also performed with some local anesthetic, but is a much less involved process than is laser assisted liposuction. The improved contour is strictly limited to the double chin region. Unlike liposuction effects, Kybella can only be used in the region just behind the chin crease down to the “Adam’s Apple”, and between the jowls, but NOT including them. I’ll explain why below.

Kybella injections can improve the double chin appearance without “surgery”. Note: Company Photo

Chin Liposuction vs. Kybella: Which One Is A Better Option?

The answer really depends on the patient, their anatomy, and what they want to achieve. First, Kybella is a quick and easy injection that is specifically designed to remove a double chin. However, the results can’t be extended past the double chin and will not treat an entire neck as liposuction can. That’s because Kybella is actually “Deoxycholic Acid” which literally dissolves everything it comes in contact with – whether fat, blood vessel, or nerve. With such a powerful solvent, it has been proven that treatment that wanders beyond the FDA approved treatment borders can end up hurting patients and causing quite a bit of trouble such as nerve damage if used outside of those areas. Don’t worry, it’s quite safe in the center of the double chin.

Double Chin Before And After Kybella Treatment. Note: Company Photo

Second, Liposuction requires the use of a compression garment to be worn around the head/neck region for 4 days to insure against the formation of a “seroma” (a collection of benign fluid). With Kybella there is essentially no postoperative care at all.

Third, cost. The cosmetic results of Kybella are largely dose dependent (doctor skill has little to do with the outcome). The financial expense for two doses of Kybella is roughly 85% of what double chin liposuction would cost in New York City. However, if you need more treatments, this will present a further cost to the patient for the product. There is potential to spend more for Kybella and get a less impressive result.

Do You Recommend Kybella Or Neck Liposuction?

In my office we try to examine each patient carefully to assess what kind of outcome they may get from each treatment. The way I see it, if I can get an equally good outcome from a less invasive procedure, that will only improve my reputation. So it’s in my best interest to advise patients of what I honestly believe is best for them. On the other hand, I do have the occasional patient who will absolutely NOT have “cosmetic surgery” and will only opt for the injection. There are an equal number of folks who will NOT allow me to inject what they see as “poison” into them and would rather have the fat removed with a small “Procedure”.

Kybella Can NOT Produce The Strong Jawline We Obtained For This Patient.

My job is simply to inform patients of the facts, as well as my own bias’ and let them know what I would do if they were a part of my family.

Plastic surgeon, Dr. Thomas P. Sterry, serving Manhattan and the surrounding area of New York City

]]>https://www.drsterry.com/blog/facial-surgery/kybella-vs-chin-liposuction-running-neck-and-neck/feed/56 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures for Minimalistshttps://www.drsterry.com/blog/non-surgical/6-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-for-minimalists/
https://www.drsterry.com/blog/non-surgical/6-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-for-minimalists/#respondSat, 31 Oct 2015 17:24:55 +0000http://www.drsterry.com/blog/?p=608 Want an improved, more youthful appearance without undergoing a surgical procedure? Lucky for you, it’s no longer necessary to have invasive cosmetic surgery to improve your skin’s appearance. Experienced plastic surgeons can give you the results you desire with highly effective, minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures. Here is a list of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can give you a more radiant and youthful appearance with little to no downtime. 1. Laser Rejuvenation Laser rejuvenation and laser resurfacing are procedures that reduce wrinkles, acne scars and other blemishes to reveal younger looking skin. Laser rejuvenation directs short concentrated, pulsating … Continue reading

A laser rejuvenation procedure can take up to thirty minutes for partial layering or up to 2 hours for a full facial treatment. For mild treatment, recovery times are usually no more than one week, while more aggressive treatments can require up to three weeks.

2. Laser Hair Reduction

Laser hair reduction, which patients generally describe as less painful than waxing, involves aiming concentrated beams of light at hair follicles to destroy unwanted hair. While some regrowth may occur, it will be sparse compared to before, and the laser hair removal process is often repeated until the desired area stops growing hair altogether. An impressive 90 percent of patients have permanent hair loss after just 3-5 laser hair removal sessions. Each session will take up to an hour to perform. Recovery time is minimal, requiring only a couple of days for your skin to return to its normal state.

3. Facial Filler Injections

Facial volume loss is common problem that arises as skin ages. Hyaluronic acid injections are a popular choice for filling in lines, wrinkles and depressions in the face. The most common facial filler injections are:

● Juvederm This is a hyaluronic acid (a substance normally found in your skin) which does a great job of filling lines and wrinkles.

● Radiesse Unlike the other products here, Radiesse is made from tiny calcium-based microspheres that help to volumize the mid-face as well as fill the nasolabial folds

● Voluma is the latest facial filler. It is also a form of hyaluronic acid but has qualities that make it a better volumizer – much like Radiesse, but it should last about twice as long.

The results of these injections are immediately noticeable. It will take a week or less for swelling to go down.

4. Botox

Botox is the most popular injection to temporarily diminish wrinkles and facial lines. In fact, plasticsurgery.org reports that Botox is currently the top minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure, with 6.3 million patients receiving Botox treatments in 2013.

Botox is a diluted form of the botulinum toxin which safely relaxes muscles to create a more youthful appearance. Botox works to temporarily interrupt the transmission of nerve signals that reduce muscle contraction. Since it is derived from a potentially dangerous substance, only a trained physician should administer these injections. Much like hyaluronic acid gel fillers, swelling can take up to one week to go down.

5. Light Chemical Peels

Light Chemical Peels are a popular procedure for making skin look flawless and fresh. Chemical peels can use any number of mildly acidic substances to exfoliate the surface layer of skin. Removing superficial or dead skin makes room for the younger. smoother skin underneath to be seen. Most patients require more than one treatment session but can expect very nice and youthful results. Recovery takes anywhere from 4-7 days following procedure with only minor flaking.

People who undergo IPL photofacials notice immediate changes, including a more even skin tone and reduction in appearance of brown spots, large pores and signs of sun damage. Patients can often return to work immediately, although there may be some slight redness.

If you are interested in the New York metro area and are interested in minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, contact our office at 214-249-4020 to schedule a consultation.

]]>https://www.drsterry.com/blog/non-surgical/6-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-for-minimalists/feed/0Dermasculpt Microcannulahttps://www.drsterry.com/blog/non-surgical/dermasculpt-microcannula/
https://www.drsterry.com/blog/non-surgical/dermasculpt-microcannula/#respondFri, 24 Jan 2014 08:00:22 +0000http://www.drsterry.com/blog/?p=431There is a new ground breaking method to inject fillers into the face. Microcannulas are thin hollow tubes that are flexible with a blunted tip. This new technology significantly reduces pain and bruising since there is no sharp tip. Instead of multiple needle pricks there is one entry point. With the dull edge, bruising is minimized since there is not cutting of small capillaries. With the wide range of sizes, microcannulas can be used for fat transfers and fillers.

]]>There is a new ground breaking method to inject fillers into the face. Microcannulas are thin hollow tubes that are flexible with a blunted tip. This new technology significantly reduces pain and bruising since there is no sharp tip. Instead of multiple needle pricks there is one entry point. With the dull edge, bruising is minimized since there is not cutting of small capillaries. With the wide range of sizes, microcannulas can be used for fat transfers and fillers.

]]>https://www.drsterry.com/blog/non-surgical/dermasculpt-microcannula/feed/0The Wrinkle about a Cosmetic tax: What is the ‘BoTax’?https://www.drsterry.com/blog/general/what-is-the-botax/
https://www.drsterry.com/blog/general/what-is-the-botax/#respondThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:23:05 +0000http://www.drsterry.com/blog/?p=11Senator Harry Reid has proposed a new tax on cosmetic procedures as a way to help pay for health care reform. So, when will a procedure be considered cosmetic and therefore taxable? I will not argue whether it is fair or not to tax my own cosmetic services since no matter what I write, it would be considered disingenuous by cynics. What I will discuss is just how this “Botax” will be implemented and the unfairness of that process. Botox was originally created, and is still used for medicinal purposes, so how will we convince a government agency that it is, … Continue reading

]]>Senator Harry Reid has proposed a new tax on cosmetic procedures as a way to help pay for health care reform. So, when will a procedure be considered cosmetic and therefore taxable?I will not argue whether it is fair or not to tax my own cosmetic services since no matter what I write, it would be considered disingenuous by cynics.What I will discuss is just how this “Botax” will be implemented and the unfairness of that process. Botox was originally created, and is still used for medicinal purposes, so how will we convince a government agency that it is, or is not “necessary”?The questions go on and on:

When a cleft lip patient wants a revision of their scar at age 16, is that cosmetic?

What about if they also need their nostril adjusted because of the same scar?

If a patient needs a breast reduction because their F cup breasts are causing neck pain, is that cosmetic?

Who will make these decisions?

How will we police the medical industry for this tax?

How much will that process cost and what will the net gain to the government be?

Will the funds really be used to help pay for health care?

If the Federal government implements this tax, then when will the State do the same? The County? The Town?

And finally, to be very self serving, will I need to hire another employee to be in charge of sorting all this out with each patient who comes into my office?

The financial impact that this tax could have on my practice is one issue, but the implementation and hassles that it will create in my office the really tough part.